The holidays are a time for giving, but they don’t have to come at the expense of the planet. By choosing thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts and wrapping them sustainably, you can spread joy while staying kind to the Earth.
Here’s how to make your holiday gifting greener this year!
Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas
Compostable or Zero-Waste Starter Kits
Encourage your loved ones to embrace sustainability with a zero-waste starter kit, which might include items like:
Stainless steel straws or water bottles
Experiences Over Things
Give the gift of memories with experiences:
Cooking or pottery classes
Concert or theater tickets
Memberships to local museums or gardens
Locally-Made or Upcycled Gifts
Support local artisans or upcycle items into something new and beautiful:
Handcrafted soaps, candles, or jewelry
Upcycled planters, furniture, or art
DIY Gifts with a Personal Touch
Show your love by making something special yourself:
Homemade jams, baked goods, or spice blends
Hand-knitted scarves or mittens
A custom photo album or framed prints
Sustainable Subscriptions/Solutions
Set your friends or family up with ongoing eco-friendly products or services:
A year subscription to Neighborhood Compost’s composting & recycling services
Digital magazine or audiobook memberships
Sustainable Wrapping Tips
Use What You Have
Skip the store-bought wrapping paper and get creative with items already in your home:
Old newspapers or magazines
Brown paper grocery bags (decorate them with stamps or drawings!)
Fabric scraps or bandanas
Incorporate Natural Decorations
Add a festive touch with compostable elements:
Sprigs of pine, rosemary, or dried herbs
Cinnamon sticks tied with twine
Dried orange slices
Reusable Gift Wrap
Think beyond single-use wrapping:
Furoshiki: Wrap gifts in fabric squares, which can double as a scarf or cloth napkin.
Reusable tote bags: Functional and part of the gift!
Glass jars or tins: Perfect for cookies, candies, or small gifts.
Avoid Plastic Tape
Instead of plastic tape, secure your wrapping with compostable alternatives:
Twine or string
Washi tape made from paper
Folded corners held in place with a decorative band
Encourage Reuse
Choose wrapping that recipients can use again:
Cloth gift bags
Decorative boxes or tins
High-quality ribbons
A Greener Holiday, One Gift at a Time
By opting for thoughtful, sustainable gifts and wrapping, you can make your holiday celebrations more meaningful—for your loved ones and for the planet. Small changes like these add up, creating a ripple effect of mindfulness and care.
This season, let’s give more than gifts—let’s give back to the Earth. Happy sustainable holidays from all of us at Neighborhood Compost!
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